Environment Canada has issued extreme cold warnings for a significant portion of southern Manitoba, with temperatures and wind chills creating dangerously cold conditions.
Wind chills as severe as -40 to -44 are expected for affected regions through the weekend, with the frigid weather expected to ease somewhat next week.
The warnings in the south cover areas including Virden, Souris, Brandon, Neepawa, Carberry, Treherne, Melita, Boissevain, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, Killarney, Pilot Mound, and Manitou. They also remain in effect for parts of northern Manitoba, including Grand Rapids, Waterhen, Arborg, Hecla, Dauphin, Russell, Swan River, and Berens River.
In the north wind chills of -45 are expected.
While Winnipeg and eastern Manitoba are not under extreme cold warnings, the city is still experiencing harsh conditions.
Saturday’s high of -23°C, combined with a wind chill near -39, means frostbite is a significant risk for those exposed to the elements.
Overnight, wind chills are expected to plummet further to -41. Sunday’s forecast includes slightly milder temperatures, but with morning wind chills still near -41, residents are urged to exercise caution.
Environment Canada emphasizes that extreme cold puts everyone at risk, but vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible. Outdoor workers and those without proper shelter are also at higher risk.
Residents are advised to dress warmly, covering all exposed skin, and to limit outdoor activities.
It’s also recommended to keep emergency supplies, such as blankets and jumper cables, in vehicles in case of breakdowns in remote areas.
The cold snap is expected to persist through early next week, with overnight lows dropping as far as -33°C in some areas before a gradual warming trend brings relief midweek.